What to wear in 2019.

New Year’s resolutions are, by nature, radical acts. “Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” we ask ourselves tipsily, vowing to bury bad habits in favour of improved health, wealth and appearance. But by promising to make drastic changes on 1 January, most of us find ourselves back to square one by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around, especially when it comes to deciding what we’ll be wearing this year. It follows that a softer road makes the bandwagon easier to stay abroad. Evolution, not revolution. With that in mind, here are five simple tweaks to update your style in 2019.

A common theme in the tabloids at this time of year is the heralding of snowmageddon – the winter to end all winters. In reality, this translates to it being a little nippier than usual, which necessitates a suitably heavy winter coat. Preferably, this will be one of the double-breasted variety. The additional fabric wrapped around the body creates a cocoon of warmth, especially when it is cut in the outré, oversized shape favoured by Balenciaga. Wear with an appropriately chunky sweater that, as well as locking in the heat, will mask any extra baggage you may have gained over the holidays.

Bulbous, “ugly” sneakers dominated the footwear conversation throughout 2018, to such an extent that it’s tricky to work out where there is left to go, shoe-wise. One option is to eschew sneakers completely and turn to a sensible pair of hiking boots. The best work well with a turned-up pair of slim chinos, cords or jeans and are fit for any scenario. A drizzly Tuesday in the city? A rather large puddle in the road? An actual mountain to climb? Don a shoe with a decent sole made from weather-proof nubuck and you’re laughing all the way to the top.

In the spirit of looking backwards in order to move forwards, we present this image of Mr Donald Glover. Resplendent in louche navy Dior tailoring and little else, it’s an appropriately daring choice that can be aped quite easily by neglecting to put on a shirt. If that leaves you feeling a little exposed, you could try wearing a neutral T-shirt underneath your jacket for an air of modern blasé that achieves much the same advertising. Add a pair of leather penny loafers, an understated necklace and, if necessary, consider some subtle chest grooming.

Allow us to preface this point by saying we have absolutely nothing against the humble cotton shirt, despite this being our second time arguing against it in just a few hundred words. It’s more that we have something of a wandering eye and are inexorably drawn to the cosy charm of the velvets, corduroys and suedes utilised by shirt-makers such as Berluti and Saint Laurent. The latter’s velvet Western shirt is a particularly tactile treat that needs no further embellishment. Just add a pair of black trousers and some shrewdly polished boots.

Could 2019 be the year we finally eradicate bulky pockets and unsightly iPhone outlines from our clothing? The growing stature of Mr Jony Ive’s devices alone is enough to warrant a conscious uncoupling of phone and pocket, never mind the tremendous array of belt bags, pouches, rucksacks and totes available to men today. Carry the former over your shoulder (belt bag really is a misnomer in this respect) and marvel at the instant improvement in your silhouette.

The men featured in this story are not associated with and do not endorse MR PORTER or the products shown

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